FAQ

Q: How do I refer a child?

A: There are several ways to refer a child to camp. A referral form sent to us, a phone call or an email; all will work. Parents can also directly refer. You can find our referral form here. All referrals go to:

The Healing Circle

PO Box 964

Astoria, OR 97103

503-325-2761

vocacamp@yahoo.com

Q: How do we know if a child is eligible?

A: VOCA Camp is for children who are survivors of sexual abuse. There does NOT need to be a court process that has determined abuse.

Q: Will my child have to talk about what happened to them?

A: No. Children may wish to talk about their experiences but will not be asked to by volunteers or staff. We find that most children enjoy the camp experience of ‘just being a kid’ and find healing in the intentional safety created by our camp community.

Q: What age is appropriate to refer?

A: We have an overnight camp, so typically children who are able to stay the night away from home are around age six. We can accommodate for Day Campers as well. We do not cut youth off from services at age 18; we let them decide when they are ready to be done being campers. Many of our previous child campers transition into adult volunteers and continue going to camp.

Q: How long are camps?

A: Camps are, what we call, and extended weekend. Boys camp is a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Girls camp is Thursday night through Sunday.

Q: What are the dates of camp?

A: We do not give out the dates of camp. We believe in confidentiality of our campers and feel that publishing dates of camp can put some children at risk as well as break the confidentiality of our campers. People wishing to volunteer can read and agree to our confidentiality policy and receive notification on camp dates.

Q: What is the process to get a spot at camp?

A: Spots at camp are limited. We reserve a spot for returning youth. Once we know if youth are returning and we find out how many volunteers we have, we can then invite new children into camp. We have a waiting list and invite children in order of referral date.

Q: Is camp just for children of Clatsop County?

A: Originally VOCA Camp served only children in Clatsop County. Due to increasing requests from outside our community, we have opened camp up to other counties. Clatsop County referrals will be taken first, then if there is space, out of county children will be invited.

Q: How do I volunteer for VOCA Camps?

A: All volunteers must complete our extensive training and background process. You can find more information on our Training Page.

Q: How do I support VOCA Camps if I can’t volunteer?

A: The Healing Circle is a very small nonprofit in great need of monetary donations. We often put a Wish List out in the summer for items needed for camps.